Systems and methods for retaining articles

ABSTRACT

Embodiments can include an article retention system that can include an article retainer having a strap, where the strap can be formed from a washable material, an attachment member, where the attachment member can be coupled with the strap and the attachment member can be configured to hang the article retainer, and a first article fastener, where the first article fastener can be associated with the strap and the first article fastener can be configured to retain a first clothing article. The article retention system can include a receptacle that can be associated with the article retainer, where the receptacle can be configured to substantially retain the article retainer during a washing process.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/744,930 filed Oct. 5, 2012, which is herein incorporated reference inits entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the technology relate, in general, to systems and methodsfor retaining articles, and in particular to systems and methods forretaining articles for storage and throughout a cleansing process.

BACKGROUND

Organizing and cleansing clothing articles are activities with whichpeople are nearly universally familiar. From the closet or dresser,through use and subsequent cleansing, and then back to storage, clothingarticles have ample opportunity to become disorganized or even lost.Currently, different types of hampers and methods of manual sorting canbe used to maintain some level of organization for pre-washed clothing.However, such devices and methods can be limited in maintainingorganization throughout a cleansing process.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, an article retention system caninclude an article retainer including a strap, where the strap can beformed from a washable material, an attachment member, where theattachment member can be coupled with the strap and the attachmentmember can be configured to hang the article retainer, and a firstarticle fastener, where the first article fastener can be associatedwith the strap and the first article fastener can be configured toretain a first clothing article. The article retention system caninclude a receptacle that can be associated with the article retainer,where the receptacle can be configured to substantially retain thearticle retainer during a washing process.

One embodiment of an article retention system can include an articleretainer that can include a strap, where the strap can have an elongaterectangular configuration and can be formed from a washable material, anattachment member, where the attachment member can be coupled with afirst end of the strap and the attachment member can be a hookconfigured to hang the article retainer, and a plurality of articlefasteners, where each of the plurality of article fasteners can bespaced apart and can be fixedly attached to the strap, where each of theplurality of article fasteners can be configured to retain a clothingarticle. The article retention system can include a receptacle that canbe selectively attachable to the article retainer, where the receptaclecan be a porous mesh bag that can be configured to retain the articleretainer, where the receptacle can include a closure that cansubstantially close the receptacle.

An article retention system can include an article retainer, a means forattaching a first clothing article to the article retainer, a means forhanging the article retainer, and a receptacle that can be configured toretain the article retainer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be more readily understood from a detaileddescription of some example embodiments taken in conjunction with thefollowing figures:

FIG. 1 depicts an environmental view showing a plurality of articleretainers in use according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view an article retainer according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a receptacle configured to retainan article retainer according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an article retention systemaccording to one embodiment, where the article retention system is shownhaving an article retainer and an associated receptacle.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the article retention system shownin FIG. 4, where the article retainer is shown associated with aplurality of clothing articles.

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of the article retention system ofFIG. 5, where the article retainer is shown removed detached from thereceptacle.

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of the article retention system ofFIG. 6, where the article retainer is shown retained within thereceptacle such that the receptacle can be placed in a washing machine.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an alternate version of an articleretainer.

FIG. 8 depicts an alternate version of an article retainer shownassociated with a plurality of clothing articles.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternate version of an article retainer shownassociated with a plurality of clothing articles.

FIG. 10 depicts an alternate version of an article retainer shownassociated with a plurality of clothing articles.

FIG. 11A depicts an alternate version of an article retainer shownassociated with a plurality of clothing articles.

FIG. 11B depicts the article retainer depicted in FIG. 11A, where thearticle retainer is shown being turned inside out.

FIG. 12 depicts an alternate version of an article retainer shownassociated with a plurality of clothing articles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now bedescribed to provide an overall understanding of the principles of thestructure, function, and use of the apparatuses, systems, methods, andprocesses disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limitingembodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methodsspecifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated ordescribed in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combinedwith the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modificationsand variations are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one exampleembodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,”“some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment, or “in anembodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particularfeatures, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitablemanner in one or more embodiments.

Described herein are example embodiments of apparatuses, systems, andmethods for retaining, organizing, and cleansing articles, such asclothing articles. In one example embodiment, an article retainer canorganize and store clothing articles (e.g., pairs of socks) such thatrelated articles are not lost during a cleansing process. In someembodiments, the article retainer, along with a receptacle, can beincluded in an article retention system, which can help retain andorganize clothing articles during the cleansing or washing process.Systems and methods described herein can reduce the likelihood thatassociated, matching, or otherwise related articles are lost during alaundry process. It will be appreciated that the systems describedherein can be configured for use with any suitable related articles,such as socks, matching undergarments, sporting equipment, or the like.It will be appreciated that systems and methods described herein can beused to retain clean articles and/or soiled articles.

The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided toassist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems andmethods described herein. None of the features or components shown inthe drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for anyspecific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices,systems or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For easeof reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may bedescribed solely in connection with a specific figure. Any failure tospecifically describe a combination or sub-combination of componentsshould not be understood as an indication that any combination orsub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described,regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flowdiagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified orrequired by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of stepsperformed in the execution of a method does not imply that those stepsmust be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed ina different order or in parallel.

Example embodiments described herein can provide organization forclothing articles and can reduce the likelihood that related articlesare lost during the laundry process. An article retainer can beconfigured to retain related clothing articles, such as a first clothingarticle and a related second clothing article, after being worn by auser. Both the first clothing article and the related second clothingarticle, each of which can be attached or clipped to the articleretainer, can then be placed into a receptacle and into washing machineor other cleansing device. After the cleansing and drying process iscomplete, the article retainer retaining the first clothing article andthe related second clothing article can be hung in a closet or the likeuntil the first clothing article and the related second clothing articleare needed. By retaining clothing articles in such a manner throughoutthe cleansing and drying process, the article retention system can helpeliminate pre-wash and post-wash sorting. Embodiments of the articleretainer can help users save time searching for related or matchingarticles can reduce the likelihood that related articles will be lost,and can ensure that related articles are conveniently stored ortransported together.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example embodiment of an articleretainer 10 is shown. It will be appreciated that the article retainers10 can be stored, hung, or otherwise placed in any suitable environment.Each article retainer 10 can include a strap 18 that can be configuredto retain clothing articles, such as a first clothing article 12 and asecond related clothing article 14 with a fastener 16. As illustrated inFIG. 1, each of the article retainers 10 can include an attachmentmember 20 that can be used to hang the article retainer in any suitablelocation. The article retainer 10 can be configured to retain number ortype of articles, including matched or paired articles, throughout acleansing process. For example, after use, the first clothing article 12and the related second clothing article 14 can be clipped or otherwiseattached to the article retainer 10, such that the first clothingarticle and the second clothing article can be retained togetherthroughout pre-wash storage, washing, drying, and pre-use hanging. Thearticle retainer 10 can be configured for placement in a washingmachine, drying machine, or any other suitable device associated with alaundry process.

Referring to FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that the article retainer 10can include any suitable strap 18. The strap 18 can be an elongated,substantially rectangular piece of washer safe material or any othersuitable material. It will be appreciated that the shape of the strap 18is shown by way of example only, where the article retainer 10 caninclude any suitable material, such as an elastic material, having anysuitable shape such as a circle, oval, rectangle, trapezoid, square,polygon, or the like. The article retainer 10 can include a plurality ofstraps (not shown) in an alternate embodiment. The strap 18 can beassociated with the attachment member 20, where the attachment member 20can be integrally formed with the strap 18, can be selectively removablefrom the strap 18, snapped to the strap 18, or otherwise attached. Theattachment member 20 can include a hook configured for hanging thearticle retainer 10 in a closet, but it will be appreciated that anysuitable number or shape of attachment members are contemplated. Forexample, the attachment member can be a hook, elastic band, magnet,loop, clip, or the like. In example embodiment, the attachment member orhook can rotate or otherwise move relative to the strap. The articleretainer can include any suitable number of fasteners 16, where thefasteners can be permanently attached to or selectively removable fromthe strap 18. The fasteners can include clips, buckles, clamps, clasps,grommets, hanger, loops, hooks, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, straps,ties, alligator clips, snaps, bands, magnetic clips, or the like. One ora plurality of fasteners can be associated with either or both sides ofthe article retainer and can be positioned at any location along thearticle retainer. Fasteners 16 can be coupled to the strap 18 with, forexample, one or a plurality of tethers 34, rivets, or the like.

In an alternate embodiment, the article retainer (not shown) can beconfigured to form a loop where the article retainer has a firstattachment member at one end and a second attachment member at a secondend. The first attachment member and the second attachment member can beselectively coupled with one another to form a loop.

Referring to FIG. 3, the article retainer 10 can be associated with areceptacle 22, where the receptacle 22 can be configured to retain thearticle retainer 10 during the washing process. The receptacle 22 caninclude an outer surface 24 made of material, such as nylon orpolyester, that can define an internal cavity 26 that can have anaperture 28 at one end. During use, the article retainer 10 can beconfigured for insertion into the aperture 28 and cavity 26 of thereceptacle 22. The outer surface 24 of the receptacle 22 can be poroussuch that water and soap can pass freely into the receptacle 22 suchthat the one or a plurality of clothing articles retained by the articleretainer 10 can be washed. The receptacle 22 can include a closure 30,such as a drawstring, hook and loop fastener, or zipper, that can beused to close the aperture 28 during use. The receptacle 22 can becoupled with or selectively attached to the article retainer 10, asdescribed in more detail herein, or can be a separate article. Providinga receptacle 22 can prevent articles attached to the article retainer 10from becoming detached, however, it will be appreciated that areceptacle 22 is not required. Receptacles can include pockets, can beany suitable size or shape, can come in a variety of different sizes,can be shaped or sized for specific clothing articles, or can otherwisebe suitably configured.

Referring to FIG. 4, one version of an article retention system 32 isshown. The article retention system 30 can include the article retainer10 shown in FIG. 2 and the receptacle 22 shown in FIG. 3, although anysuitable combination of article retainers and receptacles iscontemplated. The article retainer 10 can be coupled to the receptacle22 in any suitable manner, for example the attachment member 20 can becoupled with both the strap 18 and the receptacle 20, where the fastener20 can be configured to pivot relative to the receptacle 20 such thatthe strap 18 can be rotated and placed into the receptacle 22.Alternatively, the article retainer 10 can be selectively releasablefrom the receptacle 22. During use, referring to FIG. 5, a plurality ofarticles, such as a first clothing article 12 and a related secondclothing article 14, can be associated with the article retainer 10.Articles associated with the article retainer 10 can be clothing, arelated pair, related sets, related outfits, or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the articles associated with the articleretainer 10 can include a plurality of matched pairs of socks. It willbe appreciated that articles can include items related by an associationto a common activity (e.g., a set of volleyball pads), by an associationto common weather conditions (e.g., winter hat, scarf, pair of gloves),by an association to a school uniform, or by any of a variety ofassociations.

Referring to FIG. 6A, during use, the article retainer 10 can be filledwith one or a plurality of soiled clothing articles. The articleretainer 10 can be detached from the receptacle 22 and can then beinserted into the receptacle 22. Referring to FIG. 6B, once the articleretainer 10 is inserted into the receptacle 22, the closure 30 can betightened or otherwise closed such that the article retainer 10 issubstantially retained within the receptacle 22. The receptacle 22 canthen be placed into a washing machined and can be washed in a standardmanner, where water, soap, detergent, or the like can pass through thereceptacle 22. After washing, the receptacle 22 can be placed into thedryer. Alternatively, the article retainer 10 can be hung up with theattachment member 20 such that the articles can dry. In on embodiment,once the attached articles are dry, they can be left on the articleretainer hanging in a closet until a user wants to wear the articles.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an article retainer 110that can include a strap 118 that can be configured to retain clothingarticles with a plurality of clips 116. As illustrated in FIG. 7, thearticle retainer 110 can include a fabric loop attachment member 120that can be used to hang the article retainer 110 in any suitablelocation. The article retainer 110 can be configured to retain anysuitable number or type of articles, including matched or pairedarticles, throughout a cleansing process. The article retainer 110 canbe configured for placement in a washing machine, drying machine, or anyother suitable device associated with a laundry process. The pluralityof clips 116 can be coupled to the strap 118 with, for example, one or aplurality of tethers 134, where the tethers 134 can include a snap suchthat each of the plurality of clips 116 is selectively removable fromthe strap 118.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an article retainer 210that can include a sheet 218, having an upper portion 270 and a lowerportion 272, which can be configured to retain clothing articles with aplurality of fasteners 216. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the articleretainer 210 can include a fabric loop attachment member 220 that can beused to hang the article retainer 210 in any suitable location. Thearticle retainer 210 can be configured to retain any suitable number ortype of articles, including matched or paired articles, throughout acleansing process. The article retainer 210 can be configured forplacement in a washing machine, drying machine, or any other suitabledevice associated with a laundry process. The plurality of clips 216 canbe coupled to the sheet 218 with, for example, one or a plurality oftethers 234. The sheet 218 can be configured such that the upper portion270 can be folded over the lower portion 272. The upper portion 270 andthe lower portion 272 can be retained in a folded configuration when afirst attachment 274 is associated with a second attachment 276 where,for example, the first attachment 274 and the second attachment 276 canbe a hook and loop fastener. The attachment member 220 can be passedthrough a corresponding loop 278 such that the article retainer 210 canbe hung in a folded position. The article retainer 210 can be washed ordried in the folded position, where the folded position may help preventclothing articles from being pulled away from of off of the articleretainer 210. In an alternate embodiment, the sheet can form a portionof a bag, where the article retainer can be turned inside out such thatclothing articles can be retained on the inside of the bag.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an article retainer 310that can include an outer sheet 318 and an inner sheet 319 that can bedivided into a plurality of sections 380. Each of the plurality ofsections 380 can define an internal cavity such that each of theplurality of sections 380 can function as a pouch that can retain one ora plurality of articles 312. Each of the plurality of sections 380 canhave a slit 382, or other suitable opening, that can be formed in theouter sheet 318 to permit insertion and removal of articles. In anexample embodiment, the outer sheet 318 can be configured from a firstmaterial, such as opaque plastic, and the inner sheet 319 can beconfigured from a second material such as a porous mesh. As illustratedin FIG. 9, the article retainer 310 can include an attachment member 320that can be used to hang the article retainer 310 in any suitablelocation. In an example embodiment, the article retainer 310 can berolled up for transport or for insertion into a washing machine, where astrap 378 can be coupled with the attachment member 320 to retain thearticle retainer 310 in a substantially rolled configuration. Thearticle retainer 310 can be configured to retain any suitable number ortype of articles, including matched or paired articles, throughout acleansing process. The article retainer 310 can be configured forplacement in a washing machine, drying machine, or any other suitabledevice associated with a laundry process. It will be appreciated thatany suitable number of sections, pouches, or retainers having anysuitable shape or size are contemplated. It will be appreciated thateach of the plurality of sections can be identically sized, can bedifferently sized, or can be shaped to retain a particular type ofarticle, such as a pair of socks. Each of the plurality of sections 380can include a closure (not shown), such as a zipper, that can be used toclose the slit 382 or opening. The outer sheet 318 or the inner sheet319 can be impregnated with or otherwise contain anti-bacterial,anti-microbial, anti-odor, detergent, or other suitable compounds orchemicals. The article retainer can include pouches for detergent, dryersheets, or the like.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an article retainer 410that can include an outer sheet 418 and an inner sheet 419 that can bedivided into a plurality of sections 480. Each of the plurality ofsections 480 can define an internal cavity such that each of theplurality of sections 480 can function as a pouch that can retain one ora plurality of articles 412. Each of the plurality of sections 480 canhave a slit 482, or other suitable opening, that can be formed in theouter sheet 418 to permit insertion and removal of articles. Each of theplurality of sections 480 can be removable from the article retainer 410such that the removable sections can be washed separately, storedseparately, or the like. For example, after washing, each of theplurality of sections 480 can be removed and stacked in a drawer, wheresorting becomes unnecessary. In an example embodiment, the outer sheet418 can be configured from a first material, such as opaque plastic, andthe inner sheet 419 can be configured from a second material such as aporous mesh. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the article retainer 410 caninclude an attachment member 420 that can be used to hang the articleretainer 410 in any suitable location. In an example embodiment, thearticle retainer 410 can be rolled up for transport or for insertioninto a washing machine, where a strap 478 can be coupled with theattachment member 420 to retain the article retainer 410 in asubstantially rolled configuration. The article retainer 410 can beconfigured to retain any suitable number or type of articles, includingmatched or paired articles, throughout a cleansing process. The articleretainer 410 can be configured for placement in a washing machine,drying machine, or any other suitable device associated with a laundryprocess. It will be appreciated that any suitable number of sections,pouches, or retainers having any suitable shape or size arecontemplated. It will be appreciated that each of the plurality ofsections can be identically sized, can be differently sized, or can beshaped to retain a particular type of article, such as a pair of socks.Each of the plurality of sections 480 can include a closure (not shown),such as a zipper, that can be used to close the slit 482 or opening. Theouter sheet 418 or the inner sheet 419 can be impregnated with orotherwise contain anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-odor, detergent,or other suitable compounds or chemicals. The article retainer caninclude pouches for detergent, dryer sheets, or the like.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an alternate embodiment of an articleretainer 510 that can include an outer sheet 518 and an inner sheet 519that can define an internal cavity. The article retainer 510 can have aslit 582, or other suitable opening, that can be formed in the outersheet 518. In an example embodiment, the outer sheet 518 can beconfigured from a first material, such as opaque plastic, and the innersheet 519 can be configured from a second material such as a porousmesh. As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the article retainer 510 caninclude an attachment member 520 that can be used to hang the articleretainer 510 in any suitable location. The outer sheet 518 can include aplurality of fasteners 516 that can be used to retain one or a pluralityof articles such as clothing articles. During use, after an article hasbeen attached, the article retainer 510 can be folded inside out. Forexample, the user can grasp the slit 582 and invert the article retainer510 such that the plurality of fasteners 516 can now be within a cavitydefined by the inverted outer sheet 518. In this manner, articles can beattached to the article retainer 510 and then the article retainer 510can be inverted such that clothing articles and the like are held withinthe article retainer 510. This can facilitate the article retainer 510functioning as both a hanging strap and a bag for washing articles.Protecting articles within the article retainer 510 during the wash mayprevent articles from being pulled off of the article retainer 510.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an article retainer 610that can include an outer sheet 618 and an inner sheet 619 that can bedivided into a plurality of sections 680. Each of the plurality ofsections 680 can define an internal cavity such that each of theplurality of sections 680 can function as a pouch that can retain one ora plurality of articles 612. Each of the plurality of sections 680 canhave a slit 682, or other suitable opening, that can be formed inarticle retainer 610 to permit insertion and removal of articles. In anexample embodiment, the outer sheet 618 can be configured from a firstmaterial, such as opaque plastic, and the inner sheet 619 can beconfigured from a second material such as a porous mesh. As illustratedin Figure 12, the article retainer 610 can include an attachment member620 that can be used to hang the article retainer 610 in any suitablelocation. The article retainer 610 can be configured for placement in awashing machine, drying machine, or any other suitable device associatedwith a laundry process. It will be appreciated that any suitable numberof sections, pouches, or retainers having any suitable shape or size arecontemplated. It will be appreciated that each of the plurality ofsections can be identically sized, can be differently sized, or can beshaped to retain a particular type of article, such as a pair of socks.Each of the plurality of sections 680 can include a closure, such as azipper, that can be used to close the slit 682 or opening. The outersheet 618 or the inner sheet 619 can be impregnated with or otherwisecontain anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-odor, detergent, or othersuitable compounds or chemicals. The article retainer can includepouches for detergent, dryer sheets, or the like.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component can bereplaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replacedby a single component to perform a given function or functions. Exceptwhere such substitution would not be operative, such substitution iswithin the intended scope of the embodiments.

Some of the figures can include a flow diagram. Although such figurescan include a particular logic flow, it can be appreciated that thelogic flow merely provides an exemplary implementation of the generalfunctionality. Further, the logic flow does not necessarily have to beexecuted in the order presented unless otherwise indicated.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modificationsare possible in light of the above teachings. Some of thosemodifications have been discussed, and others will be understood bythose skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described inorder to best illustrate principles of various embodiments as are suitedto particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited tothe examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number ofapplications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in theart. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention to bedefined by the claims appended hereto.

We claim:
 1. An article retention system comprising: (a) an articleretainer including; (i) a strap, the strap being formed from a washablematerial; (ii) an attachment member, the attachment member being coupledwith the strap, wherein the attachment member is configured to hang thearticle retainer; and (iii) a first article fastener, the first articlefastener being associated with the strap, wherein the first articlefastener is configured to retain a first clothing article; (b) areceptacle associated with the article retainer, wherein the receptacleis configured to substantially retain the article retainer during awashing process.
 2. The article retention system of claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of attachment members.
 3. The article retainingsystem of claim 1, wherein the first attachment member is an attachmentselected from the group consisting of a hook, buckle, karabiner, catch,clasp, grommet, hanger, loop, ring, snap, and strap .
 4. The articleretention system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of articlefasteners.
 5. The article retention system of claim 1, wherein the strapis a substantially elongate rectangular member.
 6. The article retentionsystem of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is substantially porous. 7.The article retention system of claim 1, wherein the first articleretainer is configured to retain a first clothing article and a relatedsecond clothing article.
 8. The article retention system of claim 1,wherein the first clothing article is a first sock and the secondclothing article is a second sock matching the first sock.
 9. Thearticle retention system of claim 1, wherein the article retainer isfixedly coupled to the receptacle.
 10. The article retention system ofclaim 1, wherein the article retainer is selectively removable relativeto the receptacle.
 11. The article retention system of claim 1, whereinthe first attachment member is selectively coupled with the strap. 12.The article retention system of claim 1, wherein the first articlefastener is a fastener selected from the group consisting of a clip,buckle, clamp, clasp, loop, hook, hook-and-loop fastener, snap, strap,and tie.
 13. The article retention system of claim 1, wherein the firstarticle fastener is selectively coupled to the strap.
 14. The articleretention system of claim 1, wherein the article retainer is configuredto be washed in a standard washing machine.
 15. The article retainingsystem of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is a mesh bag.
 16. An articleretention system comprising: (a) an article retainer including; (i) astrap, the strap having an elongate rectangular configuration, whereinthe strap is formed from a washable material; (ii) an attachment member,the attachment member being coupled with a first end of the strap,wherein the attachment member is a hook configured to hang the articleretainer; and (iii) a plurality of article fasteners, each of theplurality of article fasteners being spaced apart and fixedly attachedto the strap, wherein each of the plurality of article fasteners isconfigured to retain a clothing article; (b) a receptacle selectivelyattachable to the article retainer, the receptacle being a porous meshbag configured to retain the article retainer, wherein the receptacleincludes a closure to substantially close the receptacle.
 17. Thearticle retention system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of articlefasteners comprises a plurality of clips.
 18. The article retentionsystem of claim 16, wherein the attachment member is selectivelyremovable from the strap.
 19. The article retention system of claim 16,wherein the receptacle is configured from a washable material.
 20. Anarticle retention system comprising: (a) an article retainer; (b) ameans for attaching a first clothing article to the article retainer;(c) a means for hanging the article retainer; and (d) a receptacleconfigured to retain the article retainer.